DAILY DEVOT IONAL 38

Marcia Brands

The Lord says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

- John 16:33 (NIV)

HOLDING ON TO HOPE

This world is anchored in the way of empire – striving, straining, and acquisition. Each and every person fighting to get to the top. And each and every persons fighting to stay on top. But the way of the kin-dom is the way of relinquishment. We follow Jesus in our weakness and trust He is our strength, portion and sustenance. Kingdom is invading empire every day! We are part of the kingdom of God on the move; the gospel moving on the ground.

Christ tells us to hold on to the hope we have in Him. He tells us to “take heart” because the trials of this world have already been won, the evil has already been conquered, and He has already overcome the world.

Hope always travels with two friends – faith and love. Live your life as a statement of hope, not despair. Live like the victor, not the victim. Live with your eye on eternity, not the here and now. Daily remind yourself that you serve a powerful and gracious God, and decide to be used by Him to act as a messenger of grace and healing to the world’s brokenness.

We rejoice in knowing we are chosen in our weakness and not our strength.

QUESTIONS

1. How can I be “the gospel moving on the ground” today?

2. How can I live my life as a statement of hope?

PRAYER

Lord, forgive my doubts. Forgive me for losing focus on You and being distracted by my present circumstances. Forgive me for growing discouraged and not placing my full trust in You. In my weakness and your strength help me to share my faith and your love. May I learn to trust you better and to live my life as a statement of Hope.